St. Paul, MN – This afternoon, the House Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee heard legislation carried by Rep. Lucy Rehm (DFL-Chanhanssen) to expand access to the Solar for School grant program. It supports the installation of solar energy systems in Minnesota public schools, as well as state colleges and universities, while using the opportunity to integrate renewable energy use into school curriculum.
“Solar for Schools has been a successful program, allowing students the opportunities to learn more about renewable energy while decreasing our reliance on fossil fuels,” said Rep. Rehm. “I’m proud to carry this legislation to help empower our youth and build on our climate goals for the future.”
Since its inception in 2021, demand for Solar for Schools grants exceeded the funds available in the first round. The Minnesota Department of Commerce received 122 applications, totaling $11.8 million in grant requests, $4.6M over the $7.2M program budget.
The bill is being considered for future inclusion in a larger package of education legislation.
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